What does an end-of-life consultant actually do?

An end-of-life consultant helps patients and families understand medical situations, navigate complex healthcare systems, and make informed decisions during serious illness or as death approaches. At Informed Endings, that means translating clinical information into plain language, identifying gaps in care, advocating directly with your medical team, and ensuring your values and priorities shape the decisions made.

What is the difference between a death doula and what Veronica Phipps does?

A traditional end-of-life or death doula focuses on emotional and spiritual comfort. Veronica's practice builds on that foundation by adding clinical expertise. As a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner and Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse (ACHPN) with nearly a decade of palliative care experience, she can monitor symptoms, interpret medical information, identify care gaps, and advocate directly with your care team as a clinical peer.

Do you accept insurance?

Informed Endings does not participate in or bill insurance, including Medicare or Medicaid. This allows Veronica to remain a neutral, third-party liaison dedicated solely to your interests, without institutional constraints. All services are invoiced through a secure digital portal.

When is the right time to seek end-of-life support?

Support is most effective when you don't wait for a crisis, but it's valuable at any stage — after a new diagnosis, when treatment goals change, during a confusing hospitalization, or as you or a loved one approaches end of life. You deserve clarity and support from the start, not just when things become unmanageable.

Do you offer virtual consultations?

Yes. While Veronica provides in-person support throughout the New York area, she works with clients nationwide through video and phone consultations. Distance does not limit her ability to help you understand test results, evaluate care options, or prepare for important medical conversations.

Is this the same as hospice care?

No. Hospice is a Medicare-funded program delivered by a clinical team under a physician's hospice order. Informed Endings is an independent consulting service that can help you understand whether hospice is the right option, how to enroll, what to expect, and how to advocate for your loved one's comfort within the hospice system. Veronica works alongside your hospice team, not in place of it.

End-of-Life Consultant & Patient Advocate | New York

Independent Patient Advocacy and End-of-Life Consulting led by a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner

Guidance rooted in patience, empathy, and honesty— when it matters most.

Compassionate advocacy bridging clinical expertise and personal dignity, from diagnosis to the final transition. My aim is to meet you wherever you are in your healthcare journey, so you never have to navigate the system alone.

Learn more

I am a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner with nearly a decade of experience in palliative care. I found my calling offering clinical guidance and reflection to those that were navigating illness, complex relationship dynamics and the healthcare system.

I launched this practice to work as an independent advocate, helping translate the clinical pieces to allow you to focus on what truly matters. This service is meant to be available to those at any juncture of illness, or for those whose loved ones are facing an illness. Whether facing a new diagnosis, a complicated hospitalization, transitioning to hospice or end of life, my hope is to help keep your personhood and priorities at the center of each step.

It is a profound privilege to have opportunity to walk alongside you and your loved ones.

The Person Behind the Work

A woman with short dark hair, glasses, and earrings, smiling at the camera, standing in front of a modern wooden slat wall.

Serving clients in the New York area, with virtual consultations available for those out of state.

Schedule a free discovery call to learn more about services and pricing

My Story & Philosophy

Services

Two people working at a desk with a laptop, notebooks, pens, and glasses of water, with a tall glass vase holding two white calla lilies in the background.

A comprehensive review of your medical records and care strategy.

Best for new diagnoses or a recent change in health status.

Clinical Assessment & Audit

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Professional guidance through complex medical decisions and hospital systems.

Best for chronic illness management or hospitalization support.

Medical Advocacy & Navigation

Silhouette of a woman with short curly hair standing near a window with curtains, backlit by natural light.

Expert hospice navigation, bedside presence, and thoughtful care.

Best for those nearing hospice transitions or seeking specialized bedside support.

End-of-Life Consulting & Doula Support

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Turning your wishes into an actionable legal and clinical roadmap.

Best for proactive planning at any stage of life.

Advance Directives & Legacy Planning

Testimonials

"Making end of life decisions for a loved one is challenging and terrifying, at least that's how I felt when I needed to make these decisions for a beloved aunt. There is so much medical and legal jargon thrown at you that it makes your head spin. Talking to Veronica Phipps was not only a comfort to me, but also a balm for my soul. Her expertise and ability to synthesize medi-speak truly helped me survive this very stressful time in my life. Veronica was not only professional, she had a compassionate heart that helped soothe my stress while giving me information I needed to have to make informed care decisions."

—Dolores Q., Client
“When my mother was recommended for hospice, our family was at a total loss. We didn't understand what it meant or how it differed from what she was already receiving. Having Veronica as a sounding board helped us better understand the options. Breaking down the care differences in clear ways, our goals for my mother were able to be aligned. She gave us the right questions to consider and ask our healthcare providers. Armed with those questions, I was able to get clarity on the ideal path forward.”

—Anita H., Client
"As I prepared for brain surgery, I was feeling anxious and overwhelmed. Veronica kindly offered to accompany me to my pre-op doctor’s appointment. She listened carefully to the doctor, took notes, and later explained what he had said in a way that I could truly understand. Having Veronica there made an enormous difference to me. Her calm presence was invaluable. She also followed up after my surgery to see how I was doing. Her kindness, compassion and genuine concern meant so much to me." Clara K., Client

—Clara K., Client
"I had the pleasure of working closely with Veronica at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Veronica was instrumental in partnering with and supporting our medical team with groundedness, education in the context of where the disease was, and supporting the patient and family toward a path that promoted the peace and dignity we all deserve as we reach the end of our lives. I cannot recommend working with her enough."

—Jessica Boerma, LCSW
"Veronica’s extensive experience and clinical intelligence make her an expert in her field, but it is her warmth and caring that make her a truly exceptional consultant. I have had the pleasure of working together with her in my practice and watching her in action, and I have full confidence in Veronica’s ability to guide patients and families through difficult moments with grace and skill."

—Dr Paul Fenyves, Primary Care
"Veronica possesses a rare combination of intelligence, compassion, and grit. These attributes, along with her expertise in palliative care and experience with different medical systems, make her the ideal patient advocate. Having known and worked alongside Veronica for several years, I can confidently say that she will provide immeasurable value for anyone fortunate enough to work with her."

—Dr Justin Kim, Anesthesia/Palliative Care

You don't have to navigate this alone.

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